Transportation voucher system available for seniors

By Cheryl WilkinsonSpecial to The PREVIEW

Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and the Pagosa Springs Senior Center are introducing a new transportation voucher system. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate a working alternative for viable transportation options for seniors through a consumer-controlled voucher program administered by Archuleta Seniors, Inc.

The voucher program is funded through grants awarded by the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging and the Town of Pagosa Springs and is scheduled to begin immediately.

Individuals will be screened for eligibility throughout the voucher program. As funding allows, eligible participants may be authorized for additional trip allowances. Participants must be age 60 or older and must reside in Archuleta County.

Eligible trip areas are: lunch at the Pagosa Springs Senior Center, travel within the city limits of the Town of Pagosa Springs (i.e. the grocery store, post office, church, library, sporting events, plays, fishing, other recreation, etc.), travel within Archuleta County and medical trips to Durango. In order to qualify for the medical trips to Durango, the participant will need a referral from the medical/dental provider. Documentation from the medical/dental provider will need to be attached to the voucher. If the driver and participant are in agreement, they may go to other destinations in Durango, but a medical appointment must be the reason for the trip.

Drivers for the participants are chosen by the participant. The drivers must also fill out a registration form.

The participant must request a numbered voucher from Archuleta Seniors, Inc. for the service area, i.e lunch at the Senior Center, travel within the city limits, Archuleta County or a medical trip to Durango. Upon completion of the travel arrangement, the participant will sign the voucher and give it to the driver, who will redeem the voucher at Archuleta Seniors, Inc. for reimbursement.

Applications for seniors needing transportation and their chosen drivers are available at the Pagosa Springs Senior Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd., or on our website at www.pssenior.org. Phone is 264-2167.